IRGC to Get 800 Karrar Battle Tanks

Date: 18 July 2018 - 21:41

News ID: ۵۵۲۷۷

TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced a plan to procure almost 800 modern Karrar battle tanks, Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.
The IRGC has announced it intends to move forward with the procurement of 800 modern Karrar battle tanks as part of the modernization plan of Iran’s armed forces.
The new Iranian-made main battle tank possesses a modern electro-optical fire control system, a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer and could fire at both stable and mobile targets in day or night.
The Karrar is fitted with a new welded turret which is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. It can fire laser-guided missiles, likely from the main gun barrel, and has a remotely operated 12.7-millimeter machine gun.
As for the armor protection of the new tank, it has reactive armor tiles to protect against anti-tank shells, rockets, and missiles. The Karrar is fitted with the latest generation of armor, with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) at the front of the hull and turret.
In February, commander of Iran’s Army Ground Force Brigadier General Kioomars Heidari said contracts to use Iranian homegrown military tank Karrar were ready to be delivered to the Iranian armed forces.
He also noted that the Karrar tank is one of the unique products that have been contracted by the Army to be delivered to the factories for mass production.
Despite its visual similarity to the Russian T-90MS tank, the Iranian Karrar advanced battle tank is a new local development.
On Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said the Islamic Republic would give "a crushing response" to any act of aggression against the country.
"The Armed Forces, which enjoy modern and advanced equipment, are fully prepared to give a crushing response to any ill-wishing aggressor,” he said as he visited an exhibition of defense industries.
"We advise the Islamic establishment’s enemies to respect national sovereignty and the dignity and will of the Iranians, because our proud nation has proved throughout history that it is not an aggressor but will severely punish aggressors,” Hatami said.
He also praised Iran’s defense industry as one of the best in the world and said the weapons and defense equipment manufactured in the country have indigenous capabilities commensurate with the geographical condition of the country and based on the requirements of the Armed Forces.